Monday, May 20, 2013

Why Writing Is Worth It

I find this whole writing journey fascinating.

It’s incredible what happens from the moment an author
decides to put words on paper to the moment they hold their own book in their
hands. The crazy thing is it isn’t even about the final product. I think the
most amazing part of the process is the change that takes place inside of us.

It’s amazing what facing rejection over and over again can
do to solidify our resolve and determination to stay in this business. It’s
amazing what happens when we sacrifice time and sleep to create even when we
don’t know if our efforts will ever come to fruition.

It’s amazing what can spring from one idea—from one moment of inspiration—when we get that
spark of an idea from a song or from a thought in the middle of the night. I
truly believe there is magic that lives in each of us. That there is something
extraordinary that can only come from that secret part of our souls that holds
all of the stories we’re meant to write. And there’s a place for all of us—a
place for all of our stories.

I do think though that we have to dig deep. Deeper than we
think. We have to force ourselves to re-experience moments in our lives—even
the not so pleasant ones—to make it real on the page. Even if our story is on
the lighter side. Because if it doesn’t come from something real, readers will
see through it. They’re smart, and know when they’re being lied to.

So far in this process, I’ve also learned to embrace the
hard moments. To consciously accept the lows, and know that they’re a necessary
part of the process. I’ve also realized that the lows usually come after a big
high! It’s important to accept all that comes with making the decision to be a
writer and to be okay with it. To enjoy the ride, because it’s a privilege to
even be on the ride.

I also know that good things come to those who keep working.
It doesn’t matter where anyone else is on the journey, or even how easy their
success seems to have come to them. What matters is our own journey, and how
hard we’re pushing ourselves. Even though we might not see our own progress day
to day, when we duck our heads and focus only on the words on the page, (and
rewriting them however many times necessary), we will see the reward. Even if
the reward is the knowledge we’ve gained or the strength we’ve developed or the
transformation that’s taken part inside of us.

64 comments:

"It’s amazing what facing rejection over and over again can do" ... I'm not sure if "amazing" would be the word I would choose ;) But I'm glad to be where I'm at, and I feel like I'm getting closer, so I guess that's something, right?

Taking the writing journey is definitely worth it! There are times I have no hope to see my dream come true, but this community has given me hope I can reach for the stars. I hate the lows, but I love the highs. When I find a writing opportunity, I'll take the chance before it fades away. I don't like getting rejected, but rejection has made me a stronger person as a writer. I love the written word and everything goes with it!

One of the things I like most about you is that you have a grateful, positive attitude. Even when it's hard. Maybe especially when it's hard. I think you're one of those rare few who *enjoy* the ride. It doesn't mean you like all the hard. It doesn't mean it's fun. But I think you enjoy it because you appreciate it.

Your post was so inspiring and thought provoking. When you write deep thoughts Morgan you go for the marrow girl. And yes there is something magical in us that allows to create such beautiful and different stories for others to enjoy. Even if it does get crazy, we writers who hang on never say it's not worthwhile.

That's a sentiment frequently expressed in The Tao Te Ching, that the lows come along with highs. So much of life consists of seemingly contradictory duality, like how we can't really know happiness without sadness, and how dark can't exist without light.

Awesome and inspiring post! I'm going to carry this part with me over the next while, because things are so busy: "I also know that good things come to those who keep working." I always feel so encouraged after reading your posts, Morgan! :)

Morg, it's got to be so hard being YOU! And what I mean by that is everyone of us around you can totally see your potential and how obvious your success will be, but when it's YOU who has to deal with the emotions that come with the journey, it's more difficult. I get to watch from afar, reading your amazing book on my ipad while downing a bag of Doritos and thinking, wow, which lucky publisher is she going to pick? If I were a blood-McDonald I'd sing you some a capella Bobby McFerrin "Don't Worry, Be Happy" but then everyone would probably just recommend I stick to using my mouth for eating instead of singing. Have faith in your sweat and tears... they speak for themselves. ;)

Sweets, you've said it all. Journeys for all of us ARE different, but we share several amazing things. OUR LOVE for the written word. Our passion for our characters. Our struggles to bring them to life in a story that is inspiring, exciting, REAL, emotional, comical, and more importantly entertaining to our readers.

All of life's rewards are so much sweeter when we earn them. Sadly, at times, we're at our lowest before we see the light. BUT then ... the adrenaline kicks in and we PUSH ourselves even further.

I am so proud at how much you have grown and leaned as a writer. The quirky, fun, and positive girl has become a deep, passionate, mature, and talented woman. Your determination and obsession to learn are going to take you to amazing heights in your writing career. Your time is now. Ride the wave for as long as you can. The skies are the limit for you.

I am so looking forward to see what happens next in your journey. Thankfully I have a sixth sense about things. I will not be disappointed and NEITHER will you.

I think writing, sometimes, at least for me, becomes some sort of an association experiment. Here, I leave myself uncontrolled within the boundaries of the topic I'm dealing with. Each word, each noun or adjective or adverb or verb fans out into more verbs and adjectives and nouns that spring out from them and which, themselves, give birth to more words, and more, and more, and new ideas that, at the beginning, I wouldn't even imagine I could conceive.

This I can relate to. Books have more of an impact, more feeling and can be related to, if we put in what we have experienced. And there is something magical about putting words on paper and creating something new and wonderful

Some could paraphrase this as its not the kill but the thrill of the chase. But hopefully there is a payoff as well. I will keep writing until I can no longer write, which should be many decades God willing!

Awesome post, Morgan! So true about rejection. It always made me determined to succeed, to show all those people that said, "no" what a mistake they made, lol. Whatever keeps us going, right? I can't wait to read your work! :)

I always maintain that the journey is what really matters... the destination is simply a bonus! And that's how I arrived at my blog name... it IS a never-ending journey... and worth every moment! So true!

Lovely. I'm only now embarking on the journey of trying to publsih and am bracing myself for the inevitable rejection by reading posts like this. Your words will help sustain me as I keep my head down, so thanks!

You've really given me some hope and something to think about. I've been having a really hard time finding my spark of late. I don't call it writer's block, more like a creativity slow down. I know it's there, kind of like that hard to reach pilot light on the furnace, but I just need to get relit.

Great message, very inspiring. It is so true that the lows often come after a high. It is a wonderful journey despite the heartaches and long hours spent wanting to write! :) Thanks for this post. Writer’s Mark